Executive Biography
Vonyee Dollbaby Newton-Kolison is a Liberian development professional and YMCA leader with a long-standing record of service in youth development, peacebuilding, psychosocial support, community engagement, organizational development and resource mobilization.
She has served the YMCA of Liberia in a number of leadership and programmatic capacities, including Resource Mobilization Director, Executive Director/Branch Coordinator, Project Coordinator and Psychosocial Coordinator. Her professional journey within the YMCA spans several areas of youth, community and organizational development.
In her role as National General Secretary/CEO, she provides leadership to the National Secretariat and contributes to advancing the YMCA of Liberia's mission of empowering young people and strengthening communities.
Her professional experience includes working with youth, children, communities, development partners and civil society organizations on initiatives relating to peacebuilding, governance, psychosocial support, livelihood development, civic education, leadership and resource mobilization.
Education
Master’s Degree
Kofi Annan Institute of Conflict Transformation, University of Liberia, Capitol Hill, Monrovia, Liberia.
BBA Degree — Sociology
Department of Sociology, Liberia College, University of Liberia, Capitol Hill, Monrovia, Liberia.
BSc Degree — Zoology
University of Liberia, Capitol Hill, Monrovia, Liberia.
High School Diploma & Certificate
Cathedral Catholic School, Monrovia, Montserrado County, Liberia.
Professional Experience
Resource Mobilization Director — YMCA of Liberia
Led resource mobilization functions and supported the development and implementation of strategies designed to strengthen fundraising, partnerships and institutional sustainability.
- Developed and implemented resource mobilization strategies.
- Conducted donor intelligence and prospect identification.
- Developed and enhanced fundraising tools.
- Maintained donor and partner relationships.
- Identified and cultivated strategic implementing partnerships.
- Represented the institution at strategic local and international forums.
- Supported capacity building for staff, board members and partners on resource mobilization.
Executive Director / Branch Coordinator — Monrovia YMCA
Assumed responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Monrovia YMCA branch, including programs, resources, reporting, staff coordination and engagement with the National Secretariat and local board.
- Managed branch operations and resources.
- Supported national programs and projects implemented through the branch.
- Supervised school and zonal programs.
- Led the development of quarterly and annual work plans.
- Consolidated departmental reports for submission to the National Secretariat.
Project Coordinator — Youth in Peacebuilding & Governance
Coordinated a two-year youth peacebuilding and governance project funded by ICCO, supporting coordination among participating organizations and ensuring implementation and reporting requirements were addressed.
Project Coordinator — Liberian Identity Project
Coordinated a USAID-funded Liberian Identity Project implemented through the YMCA of Liberia under the BRDG initiative, including youth mobilization, community engagement, drawing competitions, training and stakeholder coordination.
Psychosocial Coordinator — CAFF Project
Served as Psychosocial Coordinator for the Children Associated with Fighting Forces project funded by UNICEF and implemented by YMCA of Liberia.
Psychosocial Coordinator — Reintegration & Rehabilitation Program
Supported psychosocial programming across Montserrado, Bong, Margibi and Nimba Counties, including community dialogue, peacebuilding, trauma healing, counseling, vocational training, sports activities and community outreach.
Psychosocial Coordinator — Child Friendly Spaces
Supported the implementation of psychosocial programming for children and communities in Margibi County through a UNICEF-funded initiative implemented by YMCA of Liberia.
Children Recreation Program Coordinator — YMCA of Liberia
Planned and implemented recreation and enrichment programs for children and supported outreach activities involving schools and communities.
Youth Council President — Monrovia YMCA
Coordinated activities involving high school YMCA clubs, worked with zonal leaders and supported youth capacity building and reporting.
Youth Intern — Peace Desk & Adolescent Reproductive Health
Supported youth activities in peacebuilding, HIV/AIDS awareness, peer counseling, trauma-related training, community engagement and youth programming.
Professional Affiliations & Leadership
Lead Facilitator — Creative Thinking
In 2021, served as Lead Facilitator with IEARN Liberia under a United States Embassy grant, conducting creative thinking sessions and supporting youth capacity building.
Chairperson — Liberia Mano River Youth Peace Initiative
Led youth peacebuilding activities along the Mano River borders, including workshops on conflict management, networking, collaboration and peaceful coexistence.
Youth Leadership — Monrovia YMCA
Served in youth leadership roles and supported the coordination of high school YMCA clubs, youth activities and community capacity-building initiatives.
Peacebuilding & Community Development
Her professional work has included peacebuilding, psychosocial support, governance, civic education, community dialogue and youth development initiatives.
Honor & Recognition
2009
Honored by the President of the Republic of Liberia with the designation Caviler, Peace Star of Africa, in recognition of peace initiatives and community service rendered to the youth of Liberia and beyond.
Peacebuilding
Professional experience includes extensive work in peacebuilding, conflict management, community dialogue and youth engagement.
Youth Development
Long-standing involvement in youth leadership, youth programming, skills development and community initiatives.
Professional Training & Certifications
Peace Building and Governance — African Youth and Governance, Ghana, 2007.
Peace Building — Canadian YMCA, Greater Vancouver, Vancouver, Canada, 2007.
Standard First Aid / HIV & AIDS — Canadian National Red Cross Society, 2007.
Proposal Writing — Norwegian Church Aid, Monrovia, Liberia, 2007.
Mano River Arts and Peace Training — Monrovia, Liberia, 2007.
Psychosocial Training — Action by Churches Together, Europe (Hungary), 2004.
Psychosocial Counseling — Mother Pattern School of Health Sciences, 2004.
Distance Learning Program in Youth Leadership — YMCA / Y-Care International, England & Liberia YMCA, 2002.
Children's Counseling — Child Evangelical Fellowship International, Monrovia, 2000.
Youth Leadership Training — Monrovia YMCA, 1998.
Pharmacy Dispensing — Edna Christian Institution of Health Sciences, ELWA Compound, 1997.
Computer Training — YMCA of Liberia, Monrovia, 2004.
Travel & Professional Experience
A Longstanding YMCA Journey
From youth leadership and community programming to senior management and resource mobilization, Vonyee Newton-Kolison's professional journey reflects extensive service within the YMCA movement and a sustained focus on youth, communities, peacebuilding and organizational development.